Asia Tour 2011 - Visit to Indonesia

After an eventful weekend in Hanoi, Executive Director, Ryan Doan, and Professor of Business, Dr. Scott Janke, visit the small city of Medan, Indonesia. Medan is the capital of the North Sumatra province in Indonesia. Located on the northern coast, Medan is the fourth largest city in Indonesia, and the largest Indonesian city outside Java. The city of Medan is a peculiar one. Upon entering, the city roads are filled with cars and mopeds/scooters. The ratio seems to be reverse of Hanoi. There are more automobiles and less mopeds/scooters. The streets are lined with small retail businesses. The economic challenges are apparent, but at the same time, ironic. It reminded you of a scene froma movie that shows 3rd world country where organized chaos runs amuck. Retail spots are sheltered from the sun by rickety tin roofs. One will see small "mom & pop" businesses littering the sidewalks while down the block is a five-star hotel that looks out of place. There was a local marketplace that seemed to be the center for food, produce, and goods. Vendors shoved their goods at you. Dr. Janke tried his first sugar cane beverage - yummy! Adjacent to this market place was a six-story modern shopping mall. It seemed out of place adjacent to the swapmeet-style market place. Within 20 feet, was a clash of traditional and new - oddly interesting...

The pair were guided on a tour of the oldest house in Medan, built in 1895 by Tjong A Fie, originally of Canton, China. Fie is credited with establishing Medan and serving as its first Mayor. The home is still inhabited by descendants of Fie, although it is open to the public for tours. The architecture and design displays prominent European accents. View photos of the tour of the oldest home in Medan.

Other sites included the largest Buddhist temple in Medan, the Maha Vihara Maitreya. The recently-built structure offers large praying areas to three distinct large Buddha figures. The indoor pond provides a very tranquil place to sit and relax. They also visited the 2nd oldest temple in Medan. This was a praying hub where locals prayed or sought guidance. First, one asked your question to the buddha "god of fortune". His statue stands tall & powerful over you. Second, one "shuffled" large plastic sticks in a vase-like container and chose a stick. Then, by tossing 2 kidney-shaped pieces landing in the correct position, one would validate that this was the proper stick chosen. If not,then one would repeat the shuffling and choose another stick. The sticks had numbers enscribed on them. The sticks correlated to a number and the number lead you to an "answer" printed on a strip of paper with Chinese characters. To obtain the answer to your question, one had to get the translation to determine the likelihood of your prayer request being fulfilled. Both participated in this ritualistic practice and received a translation of the Chinese.

Visiting IAU's local Medan partner school, the Professional Management College, Indonesia (PMCI), is an annual trip. Last year, 2010, IAU was unable to pay PMCI a visit due to scheduling and IAU's relocation. Ryan and Dr. Janke were to speak to the students on various topics to students. The topics varied depending on the student audience. The first year students were the largest with an attendance of near 140. The second and last year students were estimated at 50-60 students respectively. Topics ranged from communication, plans after graduation, networking, and lifelong learning. View photos of the speaking engagement at PMCI.

When it came to foods, the two were amazed again. The blends of spices and seasonings were absolutley amazing. Ryan was not able to handle the spicy-ness of many of the foods. Beads of sweat constantly rolled down his face. Dr. Janke, on the other hand, was able to handle the "heat". Perhaps, his Texas roots gave him an advantage in handling spicy foods. The food in Medan was the best the two had enjoyed on the trip so far.

After 4 days and 5 nights in Indonesia, the two pair off to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Read about the visit to HCMC.

• View photos of the general sites in Medan, Indonesia.
• View photos of the speaking engagement at PMCI.
• View photos of the tour of the home of Tjong A Fie, Medan's first mayor, built in 1895.